Carl Edwards 2015 Fantasy NASCAR Preview
Carl Edwards 2014 Stats: Points Finish 9th, 0 Poles, 2 Wins, 7 Top Fives, 14 Top Tens, Average Running Position 16.8, Average Finish 15.1, Laps Led 135, Driver Rating 80.9
Strengths – Carl Edwards is one of the premiere drivers in NASCAR. I think Roush’s down years have him slightly under many people’s fantasy radar which is good for those who foresee a resurgence in 2015. Look for Carl Edwards to be at his best at intermediate tracks, short tracks and road courses. One strength of “Cousin Carl” is his consistency. That attribute should never be overlooked by fantasy racers.
Weaknesses – In 2015 I think some of his weaknesses from recent years will vanish because Joe Gibbs Racing is superior to Roush Fenway Racing. A change of employer for teammate Matt Kenseth did wonders and debunked some performance myths about him and I think it will do the same for Edwards.
As of now the track type I would be the most wary of picking Carl Edwards is restrictor plate tracks. It’s been a while since he last experienced success at those venues.
Track Type Fantasy Value Key = Elite > High > Moderate > Low
Intermediate Track Fantasy Value – Elite
Intermediate tracks are great venues for Carl Edwards and they have always been one of his strengths. In 2015 I expect him to be very competitive. Last season with the 99 car he was successful and managed to score the 9th most points and record a 13.0 average finish with a car that was down on speed. The primary reason for his success was his consistency. When you pair that with more speed the competition should be nervous. In 2015 he’ll compete for multiple wins on this track type.
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Flat Track Fantasy Value – High
Roush Fenway Racing was down on speed in 2014 and that greatly affected Carl Edwards on this track type. Last season on flat tracks a typical good day meant that he finished in the teens. I believe he should be more competitive with his new organization and move from a teen’s good driver into a consistent top ten finisher.
Phoenix has been a great track for him. He’s won there twice and has finished in the top ten 57% percent of the time. Last year he had results of 8th and 15th. In 2013 he won in the spring and came close to winning in the fall except he ran out of gas at the end.
At New Hampshire he’s typically been a teen’s finisher but that could change with JGR. Last season at the “Magic Mile” the Gibbs Toyota’s were very strong. In 2015 I think we’ll see a bump in performance from him there.
Pocono has historically been a great track for him. He’s won there twice and has finished in the top ten 40% percent of the time. Recently he’s been down there but in 2015 I think he’ll right the ship.
At Indy Carl Edwards has a 13.4 average finish and that’s pretty representative of how he’s performed there. Last season he finished 15th but I expect him to be much more competitive this season. In 2014 the JGR Toyota’s crossed the finish line in 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Read his teammates fantasy previews: Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch
Short Track Fantasy Value – Elite
Carl Edwards shouldn’t be overlooked at short tracks and I think his new employer will increase his level a performance. Bristol has historically been his best short track. He’s won there three times and went to victory lane last spring. In the 2014 August night race he finished 7th.
At Richmond Carl Edwards has performed well recently. Since 2010 he’s won once and has finished in the top ten in 8 of the last 10 races.
I think his change of scenery will be the most noticeable at Martinsville. He’s performed OK there in Roush equipment but I think a JGR Toyota will bump him up to the next level. It did for Matt Kenseth and since he’s been with JGR he’s been one of the best Martinsville drivers.
Check out our Carl Edwards Fantasy NASCAR Portal page
Restrictor Plate Track Fantasy Value – Moderate
Carl Edwards has had success at restrictor plate tracks but he hasn’t performed well recently. Last season on this track type he had a best result of 17th, scored the 32nd most points and had a 26.3 average finish.
In the last two seasons at Daytona he’s performed poorly and has a 29.0 average finish. Prior to the last two season’s he was relatively successful there. Between July 2012 and July 2009 he finished in the top ten in 6 of those 7 races.
Talladega hasn’t been the friendliest track to Edwards. Since 2007 he’s only finished in the top ten twice. In three of the last five races at that venue he he’s finished 30th or worse.
One reason for upside in Carl Edwards this season at plate tracks is his new team. Joe Gibbs cars have looked very strong on this track type the last few seasons.
Road Course Track Fantasy Value – Elite
Carl Edwards is a good road course racer. Last year on this track type he scored the most points and had a 3.0 average finish.
At Sonoma last season he raced his way to victory lane from his 4th place starting position. Also in that particular event he led 26 laps and had an 8th place average running position. His Sonoma success last year was no fluke. In three of the last four races at that venue he’s finished in the top three.
At Watkins Glen Carl Edwards has been consistently good. In 10 races at that road course he’s finished in the top five 50% percent of the time and in the top ten 70% percent of the time. His last two results at Watkins Glen were finishes of 4th and 5th.
